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How to Identify Auto Leaks From The Best Auto Mechanic in Frisco TX

In our last two posts, we discussed how to identify the leaks or drips under your car through color, consistency and smell. Today we’ll talk about the different problems that can arise from each of the types of leaks that you learned about last time.

Red-colored Dextron Type Automatic Transmission Fluid: As we discussed last time, this type of leak is usually an easy fix for an auto mechanic. However, if left unchecked, a transmission fluid leak can cause serious problems for your car and even the environment (transmission fluid can leak into the soil, poisoning insects and rodents that act as natural pest controls to protect crops and humans from disease).

Yellowish-colored Power Steering Fluid: Low levels of power steering fluid will impair your steering, which can affect the safety of your car. Squealing sounds from the power steering pump can be another sign that your car is low on power steering fluid and needs to be taken to an auto mechanic.

Yellowish-colored Brake Fluid: As we discussed earlier, low brake fluid can cause serious safety problems (imagine the heartbreak and damage that would occur if your brakes stopped working in an emergency). This is another reason why it’s imperative to take your car to an auto mechanic when you notice any car drip or leak.

Blue, Green or Orange Windshield Wiper Fluid: It may seem like a time-saving idea, but don’t just try to fix this problem by putting water in the car instead of windshield wiper fluid. In any climate where temperatures may reach freezing, using water instead of windshield wiper fluid can cause expensive damage to your fluid reservoir, electric pump, washer hoses and even the windshield sprayers.

Greenish or Pinkish Coolant: Low levels of coolant can cause your car to overheat, and a small coolant leak can eventually lead to major leaks over time. Coolant leaks don’t just hurt your car; they are potentially harmful to your pets, because ingesting coolant can kill animals.

Dark Brown Oil: Because your car can leak oil from any number of places–valve covers, drain plugs, oil filters, rear main seals, and oil pan gaskets, to name a few–it’s important to take your car to an auto mechanic for regular oil changes and maintenance. If an oil leak becomes large and is not fixed, it can cause serious damage to your car. While that dark brown stain on your driveway is pretty easy to spot, you can also find signs of oil leakage from smoke under the hood.

If you have any questions about drips, leaks or anything else about your car, come to LD Automotive, where we offer full service auto repair and maintenance, with honesty and affordable prices. ANd remember to “like” and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!